What payroll is reportable?

In defining payroll, we generally follow the guidelines of Medicare wage reporting. There are some differences between Medicare and BWC, which include the construction industry, corporate officer wages, and payments by sole proprietors and partnerships to family members. Employers should report payroll to the reporting period in which it is paid, which may differ from when it is earned.

All stock gifts - the difference between the fair market value on the date of exercise of the stock option and the price paid for the stock for a non-qualified stock option

Profit sharing going directly to the employees as payroll

Medical saving programs which act as savings accounts. These programs allow the employee to receive the unused portion of the money they paid in.

Any voluntary employee contributions to retirement plans, including 401K

Reasonable value of board, lodging, house or room rent unless provided for the convenience of the employer, located on the employer's premises and is a condition of employment

Contributions to deferred compensation by employees (except for contributions to a governmental 457 plan)

Expenses exceeding one-third of an employee's normal pay

Personal use of company car

Payments to casual labor - We consider individuals who perform work outside a business' normal operation such as lawn care, janitorial work, etc., who do not work for another company, or hold themselves out to the public as performing these services, casual labor. Remuneration/payments to these individuals are reportable to the governing classification.

Payments to spot labor - We consider individuals who perform work within a business' normal operation as spot labor. For example, a plumber needs short-term help with a job. He finds someone to help and pays the helper cash. The person works within the business' normal operation. Remuneration/payments to these individuals are reportable to the governing classification.

*Premiums for life insurance over 50k not reportable to BWC.

Who is reportable to BWC?

All employees – full, part-time, and seasonal.

Officers of corporations.

Family members (including spouse and children).

Spot and casual labor.

Owners, partners, incorporated individuals, ministers and officers of family farms who have elected coverage and completed an Application for Elective Coverage (U-3S). See the Elective coverage page for additional information.

Non-Ohio residents working for out-of-state companies doing business in Ohio for more than 90 consecutive calendar days. Wages are reportable beginning with the 91st consecutive day.

Payroll associated with Ohio residents working for out-of-state companies doing business in Ohio is to be reported for the entire duration of work in Ohio.

Employees who are hired to work specifically in Ohio are reportable, regardless of the state where they were hired.

The 90-Day Rule is not applicable to residents of a foreign country. Out-of-state employers who have foreign employees working temporarily in Ohio must obtain Ohio workers' compensation coverage, report wages, and pay premiums to BWC for any work performed in Ohio.